How a Bill Becomes a Law in Maryland
In Maryland anyone can suggest an idea to be considered for a law. Generally, a local Delegate or Senator's
office will work up an idea and then ask an attorney that works for the Maryland Assembly to draft the idea into
a bill. The bill is then introduced into the House or Senate as its First Reading. A First Reading involves
a person reading the bill's number and title. The bill is then assigned to a particular committee.
When the committee holds its hearing on the bill, members of the public as well as experts in the field are allowed
to present testimony in support or against the bill. Anyone may testify as long as they arrive before the hearing
and sign up. All persons testifying should have printed copies of their remarks that will be distributed to committee
members.
After the hearing, the committee will vote to favorably recommend the bill, recommend the bill with amendments, or
give the bill an unfavorable recommendation. At this point, the bill is sent back to the full floor for its
Second Reading. The Second Reading is when all the members of either the House or Senate can debate the bill.
Addtional amendments can be included at this time. The bill is then printed one final time and returned for
its Third Reading.
If the bill passes in its chamber of origin, it is then sent over to the other chamber for consideration. A
similar process occurs with three Readings and a committee hearing. Once a bill passes in both chambers, it is
sent to the governor for his signature. The governor may sign the bill into law or kill the bill with a veto.
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Legal Updates
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EDUCATION RELATED LEGISLATION
2006: HB 25 - Sales and Use Tax - Exemption - University and College Textbooks
This bill seeks to exempt qualified textbook purchases for college and university classes from sales tax. Full and part-time students who hold a valid college ID would qualify for this exemption.
Get the latest update on HB 25.
Facts: Prefiled in September 2005 and sponsored by Delegate Conroy.
Status: This bill died after receiving an unfavorable report from the House Ways and Means Committee.
2006: HB 36 & 74 - Compulsory Attendance - Age
This bill would increase the compulsory age to attend school from 16 to the age of 18. Children who have obtained a high school diploma or certificate would be exempt from this requirement. The effect on homeschoolers would be to extend the length of time they must submit to county reviews as Maryland homeschoolers cannot receive a Maryland issued high school diploma. HB 36 appears to be similar to HB 74 except that it deals specifically with Baltimore City children instead of statewide children.
Get the latest update on HB 74.
Facts: Pre-filed in August by Delegate Pugh of Baltimore City.
Status: This bill died after receiving an unfavorable report by the House Ways and Means Committee.
2006: HB 70 - Public Schools - Size of Classes - Limitations
This bill seeks to place a cap on the maximum average class size for public schools in Maryland counties. Kindergarten through 3rd grade classes could not exceed 15 students. Grades 4 - 12 could not exceed 25 students. Exceptions are made for art, music and P.E. classes. Local school boards could also request exemptions from this law.
Get the latest update on HB 70.
Facts: Prefiled in October 2005 by Delegates Cardin, Morhain and Parker.
Status: This bill died after receiving an unfavorable report by the House Ways and Means Committee.
Homeschooling Regulations
Become familiar with Maryland Regulations
governing how families may homeschool in the state of Maryland. Remember, local school boards may not impose
additional requirements on homeschooling families beyond what is required through COMAR. It is recommended that
families print a copy of the regulations for easy and accurate reference during any county conducted review you may attend.
Still have questions? Read our Q/A on what
you can be asked to provide at a review.
2005 Legislation
See Bills of interest from the 2005 Maryland Assembly session.
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LEGISLATION of INTEREST TO
KIDS and FAMILIES
2006: HB 54 - Video and Computer Games Rated "For Adults Only" - Prohibition on Sale, Display, or Rental to Minor
It would become a misdeamor, punishable by one year in jail and/or a $5,000 fine, to sell, offer to sell, diplay for sale or rent a "For Adults Only" rated video or computer game to a minor. A similar bill, HB 75, only proposes to prohibit the sale or rental of certain video games.
Get the latest update on HB 54.
Get the latest update on HB 75.
Facts: HB 54 was pre-filed in July by Delegate Kach. HB 75 was pre-filed in November by Delegate Ross
Status: HB 54 was withdrawn from consideration in the House. HB 75 died after receiving an unfavorable report from the Judiciary committee.
2006: HB 11 - Inflicting Unnecessary Suffering or Pain on Animals - Prohibition
This bill seeks to change the current law by making it a misdemeanor, punishable by 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine, for inflicting unnecessary suffering or pain on an animal. This would apply to any person, regardless of ownership or custody of the animal.
Get the latest update on HB 11.
Facts: Prefiled in September 2005 and sponsored by Delegate Conroy.
Status: This bill was signed into law by the Governor on May 16, 2006.
2006: HB 28 - Common Sense Food Consumption Act
This bill would prohibit individuals from seeking damages against a seller of food for a claim of injury or death resulting in weight gain or obesity.
Get the latest update on HB 28.
Facts: Prefiled in October 2005 Delegate Arnick. A similar bill was filed as HB 15 in 2005.
Status: This bill died after receiving an unfavorable report from the House Judiciary Committee.
2006: HB 49 - Optical Scan Voting System Required
This bill would require that optical scanning devices, such as the Optech II Scan or the Model-315 Optical Mark Reader, be used in Maryland election proceedings.
Get the latest update on HB 49.
Facts: Prefiled in October 2005 Delegate Montgomery.
Status: This bill died after receiving an unfavorable report from the House Ways and Means Committee.
Maryland Assembly Online
The Maryland Assembly maintains a easy-to-access website
where you can find information on
how a bill becomes a law in our state. You can also locate your State or
Federal elected officials in order to contact them online, by phone, fax or mail with your opinion. Finally,
you can check here for a list of
Maryland House Committees or for a
Maryland Senate Committee that may be considering a specific bill.
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